Gammarus pulex
Freshwater shrimp
Gammarus pulex, Freshwater shrimp, is a Crustacean, common in freshwater habitats in the Redmire area, particularly lowland streams, known locally as becks, and field ditches. It has a mixed diet as a detritus feeder and predator on Mayfly nymphs. They are often seen in pairs, with the larger male carrying the female. Gammarus pulex is an intermediate host to a fish parasite, Pomphorhynchus laevis, which is visible as an orange oval inside the shrimp.
Photograph detail
Slide 1: Gammarus pulex, Two Freshwater shrimps from a field ditch. January.
Slide 2: Gammarus pulex, Freshwater shrimp from a field ditch. January.
Slide 3: Gammarus pulex, Freshwater shrimp from a field ditch, showing orange parasitic worm, Pomphorhynchus laevis. January.
Slide 4: Gammarus pulex, Freshwater shrimp field ditch habitat. Off Well Lane, Redmire. January.
Slide 5: Gammarus pulex, Freshwater shrimp field ditch habitat. Off Well Lane, Redmire. January.